TiVo Community Forums Archives - Need help deciding which box to buy....

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Need help deciding which box to buy....
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Posted by: bundini

I need help! I am looking to add another TIVO (my 3rd... I have two Sony SVR-2000's ...both hacked with additional drives to about 175 hours on each); this one is for my two daughters.

I am suffering from information overload. Can't decide what to get. Need help!

I have many concerns: Price, expandability, and curiosity about what lies ahead (with Series 2).

Choosing between:
- Sony SVR 3000. I like the Sony boxes; I like the upgradablility with the extra drive slot.

- Series 2 40-hour model at TIVO.com. I like the $ 199 price point. But 40 hours isn't enough space, and the machines are not upgradable.

- Series 2 60-hour model....is upgradable, but different USB port. Is there any point to a Series 2 if the USB port is not a 2.0

(I've pretty much ruled out the 80 hour for lack of another drive slot... considering the 40 without a drive slot only because it's cheaper.)

- DirecTivo. I have DirecTV... I like the lower monthly service price... are these machines expandable? I also like the dual-tuner (is that function operational yet?)

As you can see, I'm all over the map.
I'd appreciate whatever input and opinions any of you have.
Thanks,

Posted by: gfb107

As far as I know, all TiVos can be upgraded with more disk space, it's just that some (the 40 and 80 hours Series 2, and the DirecTiVo Series II) don't have a space for mounting a second drive. You can either choose to simply replace the original drive with a really large one, or create your own mounting arrangement for the second drive.

The second tuner function on the DirecTiVos has been working for at least 12 months now. If you get one that doesn't have the right software level in the box, it will download the software update in the 1st day or two, and you will then have full function.

If you get DirecTV, and your locals from DirecTV, there is no question that the DirecTiVo is the way to go:

DirecTiVo, $200 for upto 35 hours, typical usage 27-29 hours
- $5/month per household
- perfect quality recording
- dual tuners
- Dolby Digital recording/playback
- records DirecTV only
- higher recording capacity/GB of disk space
- DirecTV integration (guide includes Pay-Per-View and sports packages, setup to record and order Pay-Per-View using one remote)

SA TiVo, $200
- $13/month pre TiVo
- choose the quality level you want (30 hours Basic = 9 hours at Best)
- single tuner
- record analog sounds
- compatible with cable/antenna/Dish/DirecTV

Posted by: gfb107

Looks like you can now purchase a drive bracket for any TiVo that doesn't have a spot for mounting a 2nd drive, Series I or Series II

Posted by: Rcrew

quote:
Originally posted by gfb107
Looks like you can now purchase a drive bracket for any TiVo that doesn't have a spot for mounting a 2nd drive, Series I or Series II

Just to save you a click, HDVR2 bracket is $16.49.

Looks like a very professional, and easy to install bracket!

Nice job by 9th Tee.

Posted by: feldon23

Ouch. That's kinda strange to have a bunch of standalone TiVos since you are a DirecTV customer.

quote:
DirecTivo. I have DirecTV... I like the lower monthly service price... are these machines expandable? I also like the dual-tuner (is that function operational yet?)

Since August 21st, 2000.

Instead of paying $39 a month for 3 standalone TiVos, sell em all and get 3 DirecTiVos and pay $5 a month on the first one, plus $5/mo DirecTV mirroring on the others. Total cost for 3 DirecTiVos that can record 6 different shows at the same time? $600 up front and $15 a month.

Posted by: bundini

I appreciate the great tip! However, the two TIVO boxes I have working are on lifetime subscriptions....they were activated long before DirecTV dropped the rate.
Probably nothing to be done.... but I won't make the same mistake on the new box.

Posted by: gfb107

When you sell yout SA units, you sell the lifetime subscription as well, so add $249 to your asking price. You should be able to get at least $800 for those 2, and that's if you take out the extra drives and restore them to their original capacity.